Clubs and Club Participation
Amateur radio clubs play an important role in the New Mexico QSO Party. Each year, club members across the state help activate counties, organize portable operations, and bring new operators into the event.
Whether your club operates a shared station, organizes portable expeditions, or simply encourages members to get on the air from home, club participation helps make the New Mexico QSO Party more active and more fun for everyone.
Club Awards
The New Mexico QSO Party recognizes club participation through special awards that highlight both operating skill and statewide activity.
High Score – New Mexico Club
A plaque is awarded to the New Mexico amateur radio club with the highest aggregate score based on the combined scores of its participating members.
To receive credit toward this award:
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- Participants must clearly list their club name in their submitted log.
- A participant may list only one New Mexico club.
- The operator must be a member in good standing of that club at the time of the QSO Party.
This award recognizes clubs whose members collectively achieve the highest contest score.
Most Counties Activated – New Mexico Club
Another plaque is awarded to the New Mexico club whose members activate the greatest number of counties during the contest.
For a county to count toward this award:
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- A minimum of 15 valid QSOs must be made from that county.
- The activation must be recorded in the participant’s submitted log.
- The participant must list their club affiliation in the log.
This award highlights clubs that help bring activity to counties throughout New Mexico.
Ways Clubs Can Participate
Clubs can participate in the New Mexico QSO Party in many different ways.
Club Stations
Some clubs organize a multi-operator station where members take turns operating throughout the contest. This is a great way to:
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- introduce new operators to contesting
- share operating techniques
- enjoy the event as a group activity
County Activations
Clubs often coordinate members to activate counties that might otherwise be quiet during the event. This can include:
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- portable expedition stations
- mobile operations traveling between counties
- temporary stations set up in parks or public lands
These activities help ensure that all 33 New Mexico counties appear on the air during the contest.
Portable and Expedition Operations
Many clubs organize Expedition stations where members set up portable equipment specifically for the New Mexico QSO Party. These Field Day-style stations often operate from:
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- parks
- scenic locations
- rare counties
- county line locations
Expedition operations are a fun way for club members to work together while helping activate counties.
Mobile Operations
Some clubs coordinate mobile operators who travel across multiple counties during the contest. Mobile stations are an important part of the New Mexico QSO Party because they:
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- activate multiple counties in a single day
- provide rare multipliers
- create excitement as stations follow their progress across the state
Encouraging Club Participation
Clubs are encouraged to promote the New Mexico QSO Party among their members by:
- announcing the event at club meetings
- organizing club operating activities
- coordinating county activations
- encouraging members to submit their logs
Even a few contacts from each club member can contribute to the overall activity and help make the contest successful.
Submit Your Log
To ensure your club receives proper credit toward the club awards, remember to:
- Include your club name in your submitted log
- Submit your log before the contest deadline
Complete logging instructions can be found on the Logging page of this website.
Get Your Club on the Air
The New Mexico QSO Party is a great opportunity for amateur radio clubs to work together, activate counties, and introduce members to contest operating. We encourage clubs across New Mexico to participate and help make the event a success.